Paintings and Sculpture

Description:

Focusing not on canonical works of modern art, but rather on painting and sculpture that express social, political, and cultural preoccupations, The Wolfsonian’s collection offers a wide-ranging and sometimes surprising view of fine art from the late nineteenth century through 1945. Public artworks comprise a significant part of the collection, including many studies for American New Deal murals, works produced for display at world’s fairs, as well as the politicized artwork that appeared under the Fascist and Nazi regimes in Europe. Other artworks focus on key issues of the times such as labor relations, industrial and agricultural production, urban life, and warfare. Portraits of political leaders, artists, and other figures are also prominent in the collection.

Collection Description

Focusing not on canonical works of modern art, but rather on painting and sculpture that express social, political, and cultural preoccupations, The Wolfsonian’s collection offers a wide-ranging and sometimes surprising view of fine art from the late nineteenth century through 1945. Public artworks comprise a significant part of the collection, including many studies for American New Deal murals, works produced for display at world’s fairs, as well as the politicized artwork that appeared under the Fascist and Nazi regimes in Europe. Other artworks focus on key issues of the times such as labor relations, industrial and agricultural production, urban life, and warfare. Portraits of political leaders, artists, and other figures are also prominent in the collection.